A SERIOUS CHARGE

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160723, 9 August 1920, Page 11

A SERIOUS CHARGE

AN UNWILLING WITNESS. WARNING BY THE JUDGE. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, August 9. For the fifth time James Hayne and Neman Neylou appeared in the dock at the Snurcmo Court to-day on a charge of using an unlawful instrument to procure abortion. Mr .Macasscy, for the Crown, after icvicwing rhe case, raid the Crown did not propose to call evidence against Ncvlon, and the iury might acquit him. Judge Ed.vards directed the jury accordingly. Mr Macassey then asked Neylon to take the witness stand, which he did with seme hesitation. In answer to questions, ho said he kept company with the girl Gladys Batchelor, who became pregnant. He declined to answer a further question involving Hayne, asking whetier he was to understand that Hayne vas being acquitted.

The Judge said that Hayne was on his trial, and Neylon must understand that a witness must give evidence if called upon to do so. He stood to be severely punished if he did not do so. If bv an arrangement with a witness a person charged with a criminal offence ecu Id escape :t would be a monstrous frustration of justice. Witness must answer or take the consequences. Witness asked leave to speak to his solicitor. M lie Judge declined to allow this, and Mr Fair, who appeared for Neylon, pointed, out that witness might ba afraid of incriminating himself. He would like time to consider the position. His Honor, in granting an adjournment, said the witness had nothing to fear. He had been acquitted that he might be able to give evidence without fear.